Rights and Advocacy

Cerebral Palsy
STAR Program
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to the brain, usually during fetal development. The focus of United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota is public policy, information and referral, providing augmentative and alternative communication devices and education for people with cerebral palsy and their families.

Civil Commitment Training
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Ombudsman Office
The Civil Commitment Training and Resource Center (the Center) is part of the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. The Center has been developed to assist persons who want training and information regarding the Civil Commitment and Treatment Act. The Center can provide individualized training, information, referral and advocacy.

Client Assistance Project
Disability Law Center
The Client Assistance Project (CAP), under the Minnesota Disability Law Center, provides advocacy for persons with disabilities who are having problems with agencies funded under the Rehabilitation Act (for example, State Services for the Blind, Vocational Rehabilitation Services).

Court Interpreters
Judicial Branch
The Minnesota Judicial Branch is committed to providing access to justice to everyone, regardless of the language they speak. The Minnesota Supreme Court created the Court Interpreter Training and Certification Program, the Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters, and rules that explain the role of interpreters in court. This includes certification for sign language interpreters.

Discrimination
Human Rights Department
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigates charges of illegal discrimination, ensures that businesses seeking state contracts are in compliance with equal opportunity requirements, and strives to eliminate discrimination by educating Minnesotans about their rights and responsibilities under the state Human Rights Act.

How to Report Insurance Fraud
Commerce Department
Insurance fraud occurs when people deceive an insurance company or agent to collect money to which they aren't entitled. Similarly, insurers and agents also can defraud consumers, or even each other. Minnesota Department of Commerce offers a booklet on fraud as well as online reporting tools.

Injury and Violence Prevention
Health Department
Injury and Violence Prevention unit, within the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), supports comprehensive programs that help reduce the risk of injury and violence. Projects include developing, implementing, and evaluating community-specific programs and policies, such as providing technical assistance on the nature and causes of deaths and injuries.

Special Education Compliance and Assistance Division
Education Department
The Division of Compliance and Assistance oversees the implementation of many laws. These include Special Education Complaints, Hearings, Compliance Monitoring and Mediation; Student Maltreatment Investigations; Test Security Investigations; Expulsion Appeals; State Arts High School Appeals; State High School League Review; Assurance of Compliance; and Civil Rights Compliance Reports. In addition, the division provides general rule making guidance for the Minnesota Department of Education as well as general compliance with the Minnesota Data Privacy Act.

Statewide Independent Living Council
Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MN SILC) provides statewide planning and policies necessary to provide Independent Living Services. The Council values consumer control, peer support, self-help, self determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.

The City of Minneapolis invites and encourages participation by every resident to each program, service and event within our city. Should you require an accommodation in order for you to fully participate, or should you require this document in a different format, please let us know by contacting 612-673-3737.

Last updated May 4, 2012

QUICK LINKS

Accessibility: For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats, contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.